Tree Removal & Tree Care FAQs

In many cases, yes. The City of Ottawa has tree protection rules that may require a permit before certain trees can be removed, even when the tree is located on private property.

A common guideline is that a private tree measuring 30 cm or more in diameter at chest height may be considered a protected or “distinctive” tree. However, permit requirements can depend on the location of the property, the size of the lot, whether the tree is hazardous, and whether any construction or development activity is involved.

Before removing a tree, it is always best to have it assessed by a qualified tree care professional. Mr. Chipper can inspect the tree, explain your options, and help you understand whether a permit or arborist report may be required.

Not always. Even though a tree may be on your property, municipal by-laws can still apply. Ottawa’s tree protection rules are designed to help preserve the urban tree canopy and ensure that tree removals are done responsibly.

Smaller trees may not require the same permit process, but larger trees, protected trees, city-owned trees, or trees affected by construction plans may require approval before work begins.

If you are unsure, contact Mr. Chipper before cutting. We can help determine the safest and most appropriate next step.

There are situations where a distinctive tree permit may not be required. These can include:

• Trees below the protected size threshold
• Trees located within certain private courtyards, rooftop patios, or solariums
• Trees on some farms, orchards, nurseries, cemeteries, golf courses, or rural lands
• Trees that pose an immediate danger to people or property
• Dead, severely damaged, or hazardous trees in certain circumstances

Because every property and tree situation is different, it is wise to confirm the requirements before proceeding. Mr. Chipper can review the tree and help point you in the right direction.

Tree diameter is usually measured at chest height, often called DBH, which means the trunk is measured roughly at chest height from the ground.

If you are using a measuring tape around the trunk, you are measuring the circumference, not the diameter. A tree with a 30 cm diameter has a circumference of approximately 94 cm.

If you are close to the threshold, do not guess. A Mr. Chipper assessment can help you avoid delays, fines, or issues with the City.

Tree removal may be recommended when a tree is dead, severely diseased, structurally unstable, leaning dangerously, or creating a safety concern.

Removal may also be necessary when roots are causing serious damage, when the tree is too close to a structure, or when pruning cannot reasonably correct the issue.

Whenever possible, preserving a healthy tree is preferred. But when a tree creates a risk to people, buildings, vehicles, utilities, or neighbouring properties, removal may be the safest option.

Mr. Chipper can inspect the tree and recommend whether trimming, pruning, cabling, or removal is the best course of action.

The process usually begins with an on-site assessment. A tree care professional like Mr. Chipper will look at the tree’s size, condition, location, lean, access points, nearby structures, utility lines, and any safety concerns.

If a permit is required, the proper steps must be completed before removal begins. This may include measurements, photos, a tree information report, or other documentation.

Once the work is approved and scheduled, the crew will safely remove the branches, sections of the trunk, and remaining wood. Depending on the space available, the tree may be removed in sections or, where safe and appropriate, felled in one controlled direction.

After removal, stump grinding, wood removal, cleanup, and site restoration can also be discussed.

Tree felling is a method of tree removal where the tree is cut near the base and brought down in a controlled direction.

While it may sound simple, felling requires experience, planning, and the right conditions. Mr. Chipper’s crew must consider the tree’s lean, weight distribution, wind, nearby buildings, fences, vehicles, hydro lines, and available landing space.

In tight residential areas, full tree felling is not always possible. In those cases, the tree is usually dismantled in smaller sections from the top down.

Not always. If the crew has clear access to the tree and all details have been confirmed ahead of time, you may not need to be home during the work.

However, you should be available if the crew needs access to a locked gate, driveway, backyard, or specific area of the property. It is also helpful to review any special instructions before the job begins, such as protecting gardens, fences, sheds, parking areas, or neighbouring property.

Tree removal can be noisy, so some homeowners prefer to be away while the work is being completed.

Storm damage can be complicated, and insurance policies vary. In many cases, if a tree falls and damages your home, garage, fence, or another insured structure, your homeowner’s insurance may help cover the damage and possibly some of the removal costs.

If a neighbour’s healthy tree falls onto your property during a storm, it is often treated as weather-related damage rather than the neighbour’s fault. If the tree was dead, visibly diseased, or previously known to be dangerous, responsibility may be handled differently.

The best first step is to document the damage with photos, contact your insurance provider, and arrange for safe removal with Mr. Chipper.